Top 20 Food Trends:Locally grown produceLocally sourced meats and seafoodSustainabilityBite-size mini dessertsLocally produced wine and beerNutritionally balanced kids’ dishesHalf portions or a smaller portion for a smaller priceFarm/estate-branded ingredientsGluten-free/food allergy consciousSustainable seafoodSuperfruitsOrganic produceCulinary cocktailsMicro-distilled/artisan liquorNutrition/healthSimplicity/back to basicsRegional ethnic cuisineNon traditional fishNewly fabricated cuts of meatFruit/veggie children’s side itemsFor more…

Is snacking beneficial to older Americans?


As we age it has been shown that there is a reduction in energy intakes. The decreased intake is most likely due to physiological, psychological, economic and social factors. Altered taste and flavor sensations are what can account for the…

Nutrition and Aging-The decline in the senses of taste and smell


Nutrition is vitally important for all age groups but is especially a concern for the elderly population. Proper menu planning is critical for providing the essential nutrients that a resident so desperately needs. Older adults…

Cold weather is firmly in place and with the decrease in temperature, comes a change in the types of foods we may consume. Our taste buds tend to crave more soups, stews and hearty casseroles during these cold winter days.

When we think of cold weather we often…

Bet you didn’t know that May is Mediterranean Diet Month. What a perfect time to review the health benefits of this diet.  This is really not a diet rather it is a lifestyle change. A diet is usually temporary whereas the Mediterranean diet is a permanent change to your daily…

Thermometer CalibrationFoods cooked, stored and held at the proper temperatures do not allow bacteria to grow.  If bacteria do not grow, then people who eat the food will not get food borne illness.  Proper use of a thermometer can help assure that the food prepared in your kitchen is safe…

Yogurt is a delicious part of many of our daily diets. It is an excellent source of calcium and potassium. Recently there has been an explosion of Greek yogurt on the grocery shelves. Many of the major yogurt companies have come up with their own line of Greek yogurts. Why…

Making Your Facility Feel Like ‘Home’

Food is an important part of our everyday lives. It’s not just about nutrition and hydration. Food is about psychological, ethnic, cultural and religious issues. Food is about socialization. Because of this, facilities that don’t have a good dining program, that…

Protein Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the Elderly Resident

Can there be too much protein?

It has long been recognized that adequate protein intake is needed throughout the life cycle and a necessary nutrient in tissue building and repair. For residents in…

Unintentional weight loss has been a prevalent concern among the elderly population in long term care. Residents who are experiencing unplanned weight loss may be at high risk for developing pressure sores, infections, muscle wasting, malnutrition, and increased health complications including death. For this reason, the facility heath care team…